Police investigate Domus Romana incident

Richard Scotto

Dec 19th 2008, 10:55

The impression I get is that for some people here,George Orwell's seminal book "1984" is a template for role model governance.Being under the ever present eyes of the State seems to comfort such people.What a sad concept of liberty.

Michael Borg Brincat

Dec 19th 2008, 02:29

@ Michael Attard:

You speak of freedom, it is a right of course, but may I please remind you that our freedom ends when we are of harm to others in society, and please don't say that you would risk your life, just not to be on CCTV. The roads are public and these should be vigilated, either by police force physically or CCTV.

We do have laws in our country, but they are not enforced, stupid example is the compulsory helmet for cyclists, never seen a kid wearing one apart from people who cycle professionally.

Ronald Cauchi

Dec 18th 2008, 16:59

I suggest a commission be set up made up of ten MPs five from the government side and five from the opposition preferably chaired by a retired judge to study the increase in "wrought iron phobia" amongst the populace. People suffering from this syndrome should be sent for a three week course in foundry work hopefully paid for by the EU fund for railing appreciation.

Nigel Lawrence

Dec 18th 2008, 14:28

@Charles Sammut
"This was obviously simply an accident. Deplorable but not intentionally criminal."

If I am very much NOT mistaken, fleeing the scene of a vehicle accident is VERY criminal.

TRW O'Neill

Dec 18th 2008, 11:51

Mr Jones, the cost of the cameras, is paid for by the fines imposed on the criminals that are caught by the use of the Cameras.

J Micallef

Dec 18th 2008, 11:31

CCTV's are no guarantee that they'd solve all the crimes, nor prevent them.

There may be an issue of privacy, but what is that compared to hard evidence of a criminal act? Evidence that could eventually lead to the apprehension and conviction of acriminal?

I'm not saying install a CCTV on evey door, but why not on busy junctions? On main roads,& in particular risky areas (near bars, clubs, car parks).

Perhaps if one of you readers was the victim of a hit and run, I'm sure s/he would think differently.

I don't think there's need for sarcasm. We have been complaining about the illegal immigrants roaming on our streets, we have had hit-and-run accidents, so why not start with this. I often visit London, and knowing about the rising crime rate, the CCTV's (aided by very able police force) make me feel safe. Since I don't go to London to meet any secret lover or terrorist, I have nothing to fear...!

Some CCTV's focused on busy arterial roads can give excellent knowledge about traffic (and if these can be webcast, people can plan their trip) and can help in establishing the anatomies of accidents,too.

But if you've been the

Vincent Borg Carbott

Dec 18th 2008, 11:03

How about making it mandatory for panel beaters to notify the authorities i.e. the police and/or wardens to report a damaged vehicle before starting repairs?

Bertie O'Cassey

Dec 18th 2008, 09:24

I have to unfortunatly agree with the CCTV issue. I do agree that CCTV cameras should be installed for the benefit of those of us who are not complete plonkers and think that they are always right whilst driving.
In addition, altough the driving test level is more acceptable these days, some sort of equipment should be aquired by the ADT that can be installed to any learners car lets say for a day to check how the instructor carries out his lessons, Obviously in addition to raising the driving age to 21.

Michael Attard

Dec 18th 2008, 09:17

@Carlo Mifsud

Yes, I would still agree with Mr Micallef. Even if it were myself to be killed. If you don't appreciate your freedom, there are people who do.

In a country that cannot even keep emails and personal data safe, you want to "trust" someone with this kind of knowledge? The ability to know all your daily activities inside out?

Don't tell me ... "If you're doing nothing wrong you should have nothing to fear" ... If I'm doing nothing wrong, I should not be spied upon in the first place!!

Carmel Micallef

Dec 18th 2008, 08:55

Maybe all the driver wanted is pick some oranges,

Joe Galea

Dec 18th 2008, 08:24

Aren't there any CCTV's installed outside the Domus Romana? Hello!!!

M. Grima

Dec 17th 2008, 22:49

@ Charles Saammut - what proof do you have that this was a simple accident and not someone who was driving recklessly?

@ Michael Jones - it is not a question of privacy! Responsibililty and order prevail over any other factor, especially to protect others from harm. I am also all out in favour of more CCTV cameras being put around the island. Malta is not the same country it used to be and crime has been on the rise. This means that CCTV cameras would not be a waste of money, as they will also be used to monitor specific areas of interest in order to protect our public, especially the younger generation.

Charles Sammut

Dec 17th 2008, 19:46

What I meant was that the Domus Romana fence was not targetted as such. It could have been a pedestrian for all I know. It was not an act of vandalism in the usual sense of the word.

The driver must have been drunk or drugged, there is no other explanation. S/he was incapable of intent. Nobody in his senses crashes into trees and walls like that. Of course it is still criminal and should the culprit be caught s/he should pay the price for his folly.

Ronnie Gauci

Dec 17th 2008, 19:34

CCTV, drunk drivers, careless driving etc. prove only one thing, the INCOMPETENCE of our police force. They aren't there to catch criminals and prevent crime but just to answer your call after something happens.

jane mifsud

Dec 17th 2008, 19:07

Sorry to say but close by by are a couple of wine bars that often see a number of patrons drunk. There have been times when the police were called to intervene because of fights that broke out.

W Hutton

Dec 17th 2008, 18:20

Charles Sammut;

Read the article, it isnt that long!

"where a vehicle first crashed into trees at Howard Gardens in Rabat and was then driven across the road, crashing into the boundary fence of the Domus Romana"

There are several possibilities. The driver could have been drunk, or blind, or incompetent. If at the wheel of a vehicle, each of these 3 situations is illegal, and INTENTIONALLY criminal!

Darby Allen

Dec 17th 2008, 17:52

Re Charles Sammutt
We don't know if the driver had been drinking and/or speeding, but if s/he had been, that was intentionally criminal.
S/he fled the scene; that is intentionally criminal.

lgalea

Dec 17th 2008, 17:26

J Micallef
I do not want more cctv cameras to pry on everybody for big brother.
I value my and other peoples privacy much more than you or big brother, thank you.

Charles Sammut

Dec 17th 2008, 17:12

This was obviously simply an accident. Deplorable but not intentionally criminal.

Re CCTV, why not implant everybody with a GPS device so that big brother will know where everybody is. Those who do not break the law will have nothing to fear. It will also save a lot of marriages because by mutual consent you can authorise your spouse to be able to access your whereabouts. It will make adultery very difficult. The benefits are infinite!

Carlo Mifsud

Dec 17th 2008, 17:08

@ Michael Jones
This was at 11.30pm. What if this was a drunk and there was someone walking on the pavement and we would be burying them in a day or two, would you be still of the same opinion? And why should we pay to repair the damage caused? So much damage happens because people know they cannot be caught! Look at traffic lights were people just drive out on red lights! I'm all in for cameras because if you got nothing to hide you should not be worried!

Ronnie Gauci

Dec 17th 2008, 15:17

I agree with Mr. Micallef, these type of cameras could be very helpful not only to investigate traffic accidents but also during a murder or a robbery investigation as they give you number plates, time and if they are high definition they can also give you a picture of the culprits.

Michael Jones

Dec 17th 2008, 15:17

@J Micallef

Are you serious? What consequence does this have? Do you really want to spend hundreds of euros, police force man power and give up privacy in order to fight such a petty crime?

I think the country will move on after they re erect this slab of stone, no need for a police state thank you.

J Micallef

Dec 17th 2008, 14:53

Despite all those that cry foul and claim human rights and privacy breaches, I am still all out for more CCTV's across the Maltese roads, car parks, etc.

Abroad, these cameras have been very helpful to catch culprits, even for more serious crimes than a toppled wall.

D Vella

Dec 17th 2008, 14:45

Hmm, maybe this was a concerned citizen who thinks that awful fence needed changing!!